IRS refund status: How long does it take to get your tax refund?

If you’re like most taxpayers, once you’re done with your tax preparation, you’re probably wondering, “How do I check my refund status?” or “How long will it take to get my refund?” These questions are especially important if your tax filing will result in a large refund amount.

Follow along as we share important insights about your tax refund status, including where to look for your IRS tax refund status and common tax refund schedules, to leave no questions unanswered.

Where’s my tax refund?

Your IRS refund status depends on two things: when and how you file:

• When you file: If you file your federal tax return early in the season, you’ll likely receive your tax refund sooner. However, if you wait to file your tax return close to the filing deadline, it may take longer to process because more returns are filed at this time. As the tax deadline gets closer, the IRS gets more tax returns, which creates a backup and slows down processing.
• How you file: How long it takes to get your IRS tax refund also depends on the way you file taxes. To get your refund sooner, e-file your income tax return. The process for e-filing your federal return moves along much more quickly than if you mail in a paper return.

When will I get my tax refund?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t provide an exact date your refund will arrive. Generally, refunds are sent within 21 days after you e-file if you’ve chosen direct deposit. See the next section for timing for other filing and payment methods.

If you file before the IRS opens, you need to wait for the IRS open date (usually in late-January) before starting the 21-day clock. Learn more in our post that covers “When can I file my taxes?”

You can make an appointment with an H&R Block tax pro or file online before the time that e-file opens to have your return prepared. We will hold your prepared return until the IRS begins accepting tax returns.

Refund Timing Differences: Direct Deposit vs. Paper Check

You can usually get your refund as quickly as 21 days if you’ve e-filed your return and chosen direct deposit. If you’ve chosen paper-filed returns or a paper check, the times will be longer.*

IRS tax refund schedule

*Paper check phase out notice: In an effort to protect taxpayers and speed up refunds, the IRS began phasing out paper checks after December 31, 2025.  Going forward, taxpayers who select a paper check refund will receive an IRS notice to request direct deposit information and may experience refund delays.

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When you direct deposit your federal tax refund into Spruce, you could get it up to 5 days early.** No extra fees, no hoops to jump through—just fast access to the cash you’re counting on.

Get to know Spruce

*Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Spruce℠ Spending and Savings Accounts established at, and debit card issued by, Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard®. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

**Does not change IRS refund processing speed. Claim is based on making federal refunds available when payment instruction is received, which may be earlier than scheduled payment date. Depends on timing of the IRS’s payment file. Available only for federal refunds. May be changed or discontinued at any time.

How to check your tax refund status

You can check the status of your tax refund using tools from the IRS. These include:

1. Checking online at the IRS website: Visit the Where’s My Refund? page on the IRS website. From there, you can log into your ID.me account and sign up for email updates. Or, you can use the refund tracker by entering the requested information. You can check your refund status 24 hours after you e-file, and 4 weeks after you file a paper return.
2. Using the IRS2Go mobile app: Download the IRS2Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. To use the app, you’ll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return.

• Calling the IRS: Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954. If the IRS has processed your return, the system will tell you the date your refund will be sent. The IRS suggests you should call about your:
  • E-filed return: 24 hours after you file
  • Paper return: 4 weeks after you mailed it

Federal tax refund status tax tip

Set yourself up for success by gathering some tax information in advance. Have your return on hand, since you’ll need it to answer some questions. To check your IRS refund status, you’ll need to provide your:

• Social Security number (SSN) or another taxpayer identification number
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount shown on the return

Why is my tax refund delayed?

If the IRS still hasn’t accepted your return or issued a refund, you may be wondering what’s causing the slowdown. Common reasons for a tax refund delay include if:

• You claimed tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit and it is before mid-February. The IRS does not begin releasing refunds with these credits until mid-February.
• Your return is incorrect or incomplete.
• You filed an amended return.
• Your return was sent by mail.
• You filed late.
• Someone else filed using your Social Security number.

What to do if your refund is still processing?

If your refund status shows “processing” or “still being processed,” it usually means the IRS needs time to review your return. This is common and doesn’t always indicate a problem.

In most cases, the best next step is to wait and monitor your status online. Avoid filing a second return or calling the IRS right away, as that can slow things down further. If the IRS needs additional information from you, they’ll contact you by mail.

Why is my refund less than expected?

While the average tax refund for the 2026 filing season through the end of March is $3,521,  according to the IRS, not everyone should expect that amount.

What can cause a reduced refund? If your refund is less than expected, there may be a few reasons for it:

• You made a mathematical error or some other mistake on your return.
• The Treasury Offset Program reduced your refund to pay past-due debts (tax offset), including:
• Late federal or state taxes
  • Back child support
  • Past-due non-tax federal debts, like student loans

You should receive a notice explaining the mistake, adjustments, or refund offsets. The notice will include explanations of reductions for prior debts. Since your refund check and the notice can come from different IRS processing locations, you might receive the explanation after you receive the refund check.

How long to get a tax refund for state taxes

Similar to federal tax refunds, the length of time it takes to get state refunds depends on how you file and choose to receive the money. Each state has its own timelines, so look on your state’s government tax website for a state tax refund status tool to check on the refund status. Most states require you to provide your Social Security number (SSN) and your expected state refund amount to view your refund status.

Get more information about your state tax refund status.

When to contact the IRS about your refund

You generally don’t need to contact the IRS unless your refund has taken longer than expected and there’s no update in the tracking tools.

You may consider contacting the IRS if:

• It’s been more than 21 days since you e‑filed your return
• It’s been more than 6 weeks since you mailed a paper return
• The refund tool specifically instructs you to call
• You received an IRS notice or letter requesting action

Before calling, have your tax return and any IRS correspondence handy

IRS refund processing stages and meaning

The IRS tracks refunds through three main stages, which you’ll see in the “Where’s My Refund?” tool and the IRS2Go app.

• Return received – The IRS has received your return and is reviewing it. No action is needed from you at this stage.
• Refund approved – The IRS has finished processing your return and approved your refund amount. A payment date is being prepared.
• Refund sent – Your refund has been issued, either by direct deposit or mailed check. If issued via direct deposit, it may take a few days for the money to appear in your account.

If your status switches to “still being processed” (under the return received stage), it means your return requires additional review and may take longer than the standard timeline.

How to track your tax refund status using the IRS2Go mobile app

The IRS2Go app provides the same refund tracking information as the IRS website and lets you check your status from your phone.

To track your refund using IRS2Go:

1. Download the IRS2Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app and select “Check Refund Status”
3. Enter your Social Security number or ITIN
4. Select your filing status
5. Enter the exact refund amount from your tax return
6. Submit to view your current refund status

The app updates once daily. It also provides access to payment options, free tax help, and IRS updates.

Get help with your tax refund status

If you need more guidance on other tax-related topics and IRS form filing, let us help. Whether you choose to file with a tax pro or file with H&R Block Online, you can rest assured that we’ll get you the biggest refund possible.

IRS Refund Status FAQs

How do I check the status of my tax refund?

You can check the status of your federal tax refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. You’ll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return. Refund status is usually available within 24 hours after you e‑file or about four weeks after mailing a paper return.

What does “Refund Approved” mean?

“Refund Approved” means the IRS has finished reviewing your tax return and confirmed your refund amount. Your refund is now scheduled to be sent, either by direct deposit or by mail. Once approved, most direct deposits are issued within a few business days.

Why is my tax refund still processing?

If your refund is still processing, the IRS needs more time to review your return. This can happen because of errors or missing information, identity verification, claiming certain credits, or filing a paper or amended return. In many cases, no action is required unless the IRS contacts you by mail.

How long will it take for my tax refund to be deposited?

Most taxpayers who e‑file and choose direct deposit receive their refund within about 21 days after the IRS accepts the return. Paper returns and mailed checks take longer. After your status changes to “Refund Sent,” your bank may need a few days to post the deposit.

What happens if my tax refund is delayed?

If processing is delayed, the IRS is still reviewing your return. This is common when a return needs extra verification or correction, and you usually should wait unless the IRS requests more information.

If the IRS has already sent your refund, it may take a few days to be deposited into your bank account. If you’ve requested a paper check, the IRS may request bank information from you before mailing a check.

If enough time passes and the refund still hasn’t arrived, you may need to contact the IRS or request a refund trace on the IRS website or in the IRS2Go app.

Can I change my bank account information for direct deposit?

In most cases, you can only change your bank account information before you file your return. Once you’ve submitted your return, you generally can’t change your direct deposit information through the refund tracker or by calling the IRS.

How can I update my direct deposit information for my refund?

If you haven’t filed yet, you can provide updated direct deposit information as part of submitting your return. If you’ve already filed, you generally can’t update your bank information. One exception is if the IRS asks you to update your bank information, such as after a failed deposit. If that happens, the IRS will send a notice with instructions, usually directing you to update your information through your IRS online account. IRS representatives cannot change bank information over the phone.

What does “Refund Sent” mean? What if I haven’t received my refund yet?

“Refund Sent” means the IRS has issued your refund. If you chose direct deposit, the money has been sent to your bank, which may take a few business days to appear in your account.  If you’ve chosen a paper check, the IRS may request direct deposit information from you before mailing a check.

If enough time passes and the refund still hasn’t arrived, you may need to contact the IRS or request a refund trace on the IRS website or in the IRS2Go app.

How can I track my refund status on the IRS2Go app?

Download the IRS2Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Open the app, select “Check Refund Status,” and enter your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and exact refund amount. The app shows the same refund status updates as the IRS website and is updated once per day.

Can I check the status of my tax refund without the exact refund amount?

No. The IRS requires the exact refund amount from your tax return to check your status. If you’ve filed with H&R Block you can get your refund amount from your tax pro or by logging into your account if you’ve used a DIY product.

What should I do if the IRS rejects my tax return?

If the IRS rejects your return, review the rejection message carefully. Most rejections are caused by simple issues, such as incorrect Social Security numbers or mismatched information. Correct the error and resubmit your return electronically. A rejected return is not considered filed until it’s accepted.